By Simone S. Oliver
Watching celebrities walk the red carpet before an award show has become an increasingly popular spectator sport. Some Oscar polls even include a red carpet category for forecasting actor-designer matchups.
In 2011, the Natalie Portman baby bump was the year’s hot topic. Starting with the Golden Globes (where she wore a blush Viktor & Rolf dress with a rose detail) and ending with the Oscars (where she collected the Best Actress statuette clad in an off-the-shoulder maroon gown by Rodarte), Ms. Portman was a winner on all fronts.
For other red-carpet regulars, minimalism was a dominant trend. Actresses like Gwyneth Paltrow, Claire Danes and Jennifer Lawrence chose bright but simplistic Calvin Klein gowns. For men – Robert Downey Jr., Christian Bale, Jeremy Renner – the look was navy and midnight blue suits, tuxedos and ties, as well as monochromatic ensembles.
Youth (not in the Botox sense) was also a hit this year. Hailee Steinfeld, Chloe Moretz and Elle Fanning all showed their flair for fashion, on the red carpet and off, donning sophisticated and often age-appropriate looks. At this rate they will undoubtedly be voted best dressed at their respective proms when they’re old enough to attend.
For rule-breakers like Helen Bonham Carter, Katie Perry and Nicki Minaj, getting “dressed up” has an alternative meaning. Geoffrey Rush, like Samuel L. Jackson, never steps onto the crimson runway without a hat. They are all loyal to their aesthetics, and as a result, they don’t quite fit into a best or worst category. Their originality in a trend-obsessed world is refreshing if not entertaining.
Here is a rundown of the best, the worst and the risk-takers from 2011. Not every risk taken panned out, but all were discussion-worthy.
